HB 1589: Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, membership, voting requirements, etc.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Powers and duties of Parole Board; voting requirements; meetings. Removes various references to postrelease supervision and instead includes such references and related procedures in the provisions that govern probation so that such procedures, including revocation hearings, will be overseen and conducted by the sentencing court. The bill provides that except for a public meeting convened for conducting the final deliberation and vote regarding whether the Parole Board will grant parole to a prisoner, a meeting of the Parole Board members, regardless of whether such members invite staff or other guests to participate in such meeting, shall not be deemed a meeting subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.The bill also provides that the final deliberation and vote of whether to grant parole to a person serving life imprisonment for murder in the first degree shall be attended by four or more members of the Parole Board, and a decision to grant such person discretionary parole shall require the concurrence of four or more members present. A final deliberation and vote of whether to grant parole to a person not sentenced to life imprisonment requires the attendance of a panel of no fewer than three members of the Parole Board and a concurrence of the majority of members present for such final deliberation and vote.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 2, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0716)
2. May 2, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 716 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. April 2, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2025
4. April 2, 2025Communicated to Governor
5. April 2, 2025House rejected Governor's recommendation (9-Y 86-N)
6. March 24, 2025Governor's substitute printed (HB1589H3)
7. March 24, 2025Governor's recommendation received by House
8. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m.,March 24, 2025
9. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
10. March 10, 2025Signed by President
11. March 10, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1589)
12. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history